Illinois Railway Museum Blog

Is this report too long?  Should I have divided it?

Engineering Department

Rich Witt is back in the shop and very productive, as ever.  Here he has made a new drawing and is laying out the needed cuts to make what we call dust shields for the TM 972 trucks.  These are wood inserts that fit over the axles and behind the wheels to keep debris out of the journal boxes.

All Cut Up

All of the blanks needed (eight) are made up with the next step to bore four inch diameter holes in them.

Taking Shape

The iconic Great Northern herald is taking shape on the right side of our hopper, GN 70104.  About another hour of painting will do it, completing all lettering on the right side.  Then, on to complete the left side.

Cutting

Victor Humphreys completed cutting a slot in the next section of rusted out car sides on our wagon top boxcar, B&O 374065.  Buzz Morisette brought in some artwork samples for choosing size and fonts to begin cutting the patterns for the lettering.

Fuse Box

The crew was busy on Cleveland Transit System 4223.  Here is a shot of a fuse box to be mounted on the roof, after cleanup and restoration.  They were busy on several other tasks, not pictured here.

Snapshot in Time

Henry Vincent and Gerry Dettloff look over the large restored photo mural of a Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotive.  Plans are underway to return it to the depot as one of our exhibits.

Inspection

Father and son team, Randy and Frank Hicks are in the final stages of inspecting CA&E 309, something we do every year for every operating car.  CA&E 309 has just come off the pit and looks great out in the sun.

Side Door Trimmings

Gerry Dettloff shows the state of progress on Lake Shore Electric 810.  George Clark is leading this project with help from others including Gerry and Henry Vincent.

Illuminating

Pete Galayda and John Nelligan continue restoration of the steeple cab locomotive, Charles City Western 300.  Here they are working on a headlight resistance box, something allowing the head light(s) to operate.

And of course this was only part of the activity.  What is that SOUND?  Not making much of a picture, we heard a melodious thrumming coming from Chicago & West Towns 141.  The car was 'hot' with 600 volts and the air compressor was working away.  It had been tested for a short burst previously, but today ran for an extended period, checking for leaks, checking the cut in and cut out pressure settings on the governor, working the valves.  A few minor leaks will need attention, but smiles all around at the end of the day.